Non-pharmacological treatment of sexual problems – A review of research literature 1970–2008

SummaryBased on a review covering 80 research papers selected from a larger material on effect of non-pharmacological treatment of sexual problems, treatment methods and techniques for common sexual problems are presented and the treatment effects are discussed in relation to the specific problem. Treatment methods are organised according to different groups: Psychodynamic, hypnosis, behavioural, cognitive, cognitive-behavioural, educational, marital, group therapy, sex therapy and bibliotherapy. Treatment methods and techniques within each group are described and studies within each group are presented. The results show positive effect for most approaches, but to varying degree. Therapy that focuses on the sexual problem is more effective than indirect treatment of underlying problems like anxiety or communication problems. The PLISSIT-model is recommended to differentiate between problems that can be solved through simple education or bibliotherapy with minimal therapist intervention, and problems that require specialist therapeutic assistance. Therapy research that focuses on linear relationships between problem and therapy method seem to give way to circular research designs that take more variables, like therapist characteristics, client characteristics, treatment format, and treatment content into account. The bio-psycho-social model is recommended as an integrative multidisciplinary approach to treatment of sexual problems.